CNC files

[Cloth Ears]

Hi,

Is there any easy way to make the requisite DXF or DWG files for use in a CNC machine without spending heaps on AutoCAD? Is there some other sort of software that can be used to create these files?

[Ron E]

Originally posted by Cloth Ears
Is there any easy way to make the requisite DXF or DWG files for use in a CNC machine without spending heaps on AutoCAD? Is there some other sort of software that can be used to create these files?

I think much CNC software will convert DXF's to CNC formats. Do you know the format you require? IGES is one I remember that our punch presses used to use.

search xxx2yyy to xxxtoyyy on google, wheree xxx is the file extension you are converting from and yyy is the extension you are converting to.

[purplepeople]

Google. There are any number of free 2D CAD software that will save DXF files.

:)ensen.

[sploo]

Do you mean a CAM package (to make your drawings ready to run on a CNC machine)?

If so, SheetCAM is a great tool - cheap, and works very well. I use it to prepare drawings done using ProgeCAD for use on a CNC machine that's controlled by the also excellent Mach software.

I believe Mach now comes with its own simple CAM tool, should you be after running some small jobs.

EDIT: If you're just after making the drawings (DXF) then the ProgeCAD package I mentioned is very good - the lite version is free, and is very similar to AutoCAD in many of its behaviours.

[Cloth Ears]

I was just down at a place that has lots of boards (ply, veneered chipboard, veneered MDF, veneered ply) and they also have a CNC machine. I enquired as to what files are required to give to them so that they can just load them up on the machine and set it running and they said "DXF or DWG".

I tend to generate my board sizes and cut-out in Excel (and then do the marking and cut-out manually). So I was wondering what is used to generate these CNC input files and maybe save myself some worry - some of the stuff I'm looking at will be time consuming and tricky (with a jigsaw) and hard to make templates for (with a router).

If I'm just getting someone else to do it (and only 10 miles away) then it would make it so much easier. Just hand over the folding stuff and get back pretty boards all ready to be stuck together!

[Ron E]

Ah, I misunderstood you.

Do a search for free DXF CAD - you will find a lot of options
ProgeCAD and IntelliCAD are among the best, speaking as an AutoCAD user, because they are clones of the AutoCAD User Interface. There are other free programs like BRL CAD and QCAD which can deal in DXF files.

IntelliCAD is worth purchasing, let alone downloading the free version.

[Cloth Ears]

Originally posted by Ron E
Ah, I misunderstood you.

Do a search for free DXF CAD - you will find a lot of options
ProgeCAD and IntelliCAD are among the best, speaking as an AutoCAD user, because they are clones of the AutoCAD User Interface. There are other free programs like BRL CAD and QCAD which can deal in DXF files.

IntelliCAD is worth purchasing, let alone downloading the free version.

Thanks Ron - I'll have a look at the free one and see if I can use it. I'm not averse to buying software, but I need to know I can use it first.

[Moondog55]

Hi jon, that sort of software is one I would be prepared to share purchase price of, trouble is I'm having to move to Geelong in a couple of months.
I don't even use Excell, just a pencil and some old graph paper

What we Melbourne DIYers need is a big group shared workshop, but independent people like we DIYers will probably never agree on a location or share cost for something as ongoing as a shared factory

[Antripodean]

The actual CNC hardware is a pretty penny
What also could be good is a cabinet with this gear who is prepared to do this type of work at off-peak rates

[Moondog55]

I usually use All-Boards and he said he is contracted out and unable to do any hobby stuff for at least 6 months ( and he is working some week-ends apparently to play catch up with outstanding commercial orders ) so doing one-off jobs won't happen for a while.